Learning from experience

American Fitness, Sept-Oct, 2003 by Marisa B. Ferrari

Everything I need to know I learned from teaching group exercise classes. As a group exercise instructor, I've acquired skills, besides physical ones, that put me up there with Superwoman. As a timid beginner in college, I never realized I'd develop into a multi-skilled instructor filled with tireless dedication to solve problems, please participants and, of course, maintain the musical phrase.

The group exercise instructor is a jack-of-all-trades who deserves a self-given pat on the back every so often. Think of all the roles instructors play during an hour-long class. These six categories summarize the many hats we wear: Motivator, Fitness Pro, Customer Relations Specialist, Comedian, Choreographer and Sound Technician.

MOTIVATOR

No matter how we're feeling--tired or lively, good or bad--we have to be energetic, inspiring and motivating first thing in the morning at 6:00 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. after a long day of work. We've all been there--that second we wish we didn't have to teach. However, one look at our eager students reminds us they rely on and look to us for exercise leadership, guidance and motivation. So, we mentally and physically fire ourselves up to teach a great class. Afterwards, we don't regret one moment because we not only motivated our class, but also ourselves.

FITNESS PRO

Sometimes, we juggle two or three professions, requiring expertise in more than one field. Most instructors have full-time jobs, but still find time to continually educate themselves in order to provide the ultimate class. The best classes provide a challenging physical and mental workout. Participants are happier walking away with new, helpful information about fitness. Therefore, we must maintain our professional status and keep up with the ever-changing fitness field.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Complaints, we've all heard them. Ranging from scheduling and weight room issues to the hairball in the corner of the studio. Whether we can solve the problem or not, students often come to us. We either resolve the situation or refer students to the appropriate manager. But boy, have I learned a barrelful of skills from dealing with unhappy club members. Amid scrambling to set up music, mic and equipment for class, a complaining member doesn't make preparation easier or faster. However, we turn on the compassion, understanding and patience so that unhappy member doesn't storm out of the room. We, customer relations specialists, prevent that.

COMEDIAN

I'm not Jerry Seinfeld and you're not Charlie Chaplin. Our humbling attempts to be funny while sweat drips down our faces don't always elicit roars of laughter from our students. However, adding quirky lines, cliches or funny comments takes away the serious edge, so participants have fun while they work hard. If members wanted a screaming drill sergeant in front of their faces, they would've joined the army. As instructors, we want to combine that tough, hard-working attitude with a light, fun spirit.

CHOREOGRAPHER

We do it while driving, lying in bed, eating and working. We write it on napkins scraps of paper and sticky notes. We run it through our heads several times on the way to class. Its our pride and joy, and worst nightmare--choreography. Members expect routines to be creative, fun, physically challenging and different. As that third, fourth or fifth week of class rolls around, we know it's time for fresh moves. It's vital to keep students interested and coming back for more. We combine old strings of choreography with new, someone else's move with ours and then we're good to go. Good to go, that is, until next month.

SOUND TECHNICIAN

Screeeeech, crack ... boom ... dead air. The mic just failed in the middle of teaching your favorite move. The music is blaring and your voice is tired. You must resolve the problem calmly and, oh yeah, quickly! This is when the role of sound technician factors in. Tug the wire, check the battery and play with the volume dial. While your class continues with the 100th turn step, you finally get that mic in working order. Phew! Now, where were you?

While our many roles as instructors can sometimes stress and challenge us, the rewards far surpass the negative aspects. Evolving into a well-rounded, confident instructor may be the best benefit of enduring these many roles.

Marisa B. Ferrari is a freelance writer and AFAA certified fitness professional residing in Glendale Heights, Illinois.